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Do you have an I shaped or C shaped posture?

Some days back, I laid eyes on a girl sitting in my office bus. The girl was sitting so straight that was really catching my eyes. You may be wondering what is unusual in that. Now just try to sit or stand in the right posture for at least ten minutes. If you are able to maintain your posture for the ten minutes, then you can skip further reading. Otherwise you will understand why that girl caught my attention with her right position. And after noticing her, I just looked at other people sitting in the bus. I could see none sitting so straight as she was. Majority of people were either sleeping or in a relaxed position, totally sunk into their chairs. I analysed myself – anyway I was not sleeping then 🙂 . But was slightly in a ‘C’ shaped posture. I tried to sit in correct posture and determined to maintain that posture. And after sometime I lost in thoughts and again found myself in ‘C’ shaped posture. Then I understood that it’s not a simple task to maintain a good posture. And that girl was maintaining her position till the end of her journey.

Later on I met her in meeting rooms, in some coffee shops, in the lobby etc. Everywhere she was maintaining her good posture, with her heads up reflecting her confidentiality. I don’t know much about her personality and all. But I ‘m quite sure that ‘I’ position instead of ‘C’ position reveals her INDIVIDUALITY.

Good posture is nothing more than keeping our body in proper alignment. In fact posture is far more than looking confident and graceful. Sitting or standing or walking in the right position ensures that our body functions adequately.

Now it’s our turn.. Just think whether we want to have an ‘I’ posture or ‘C’ posture

Please Note: I simply used the alphabets ‘I’ and ‘C’ just to indicate right and curved positions respectively. There is nothing beyond that. In fact spine is said to have an ‘S’ shape and definitely not ‘I’ shape. Hence before practicing, need adequate knowledge on the proper posture as a good posture does not mean keeping our spine fully straight. We will become exhausted when we simply try to maintain our body straight and it will damage our spine. Instead need to understand that ‘S’ shape and practice accordingly.

62 thoughts on “Do you have an I shaped or C shaped posture?”

That C-shaped posture is something we see so much these days, and it can have massive implications on the rest of the system! Likewise with an over-exaggerated S-shape. A slight S is ideal, but we often see big curves – hyper lordosis at the lower back, and kyphosis of the upper back.

If you or your readers were ever after a few ideas for combatting it and improving overall posture & mobility, I recently put together a beginners guide that you might like:

With spinal problems on the rise, thanks to jobs that require prolonged sitting and then later sitting on bikes that travel on pot-holed roads, an important message. But if you look around you will notice much of the internet generation of kids are found in what you call the ‘C’ position fiddling with tabs and smart phones. This message needs to reach these children who have a large part of their life stretching before them. As for us, it is time we be the example for them!

I think this article sent an important message of maintaining a proper structure. Besides, ‘I’ Posture and ‘C’ Posture is good metaphors in describing how we hold our posture every day. We should be aware and notice of our posture, but in fact, most of us don’t as it already proved in your example in your office bus. You also pointed out that “a good posture does not mean keeping our spine full straight”, this is the falsehood among the publics. I agree that posture is far more than showing confidence, and it relates to our health and body. I am trying to spread this message in my campaign “AtTech of Posture” as well, which urge people to pay attention to their posture while using technology and related to this post. I look forward to interact and engage regarding the issue.

Reminds me when health and safety visited our office and recommended ways to sit and chairs .. I could not believe when the chairs came they got measures nd fitted to our body.. and cost was mind blowing..

I guess it is just natural to slump .. and takes hard work to maintain a good posture … but a good posture is a must especially in today’s life when we don’t exercise as much as we should…

Good piece Akhila. I find it extremely easy to slump into my ‘C’ posture when reading or sitting at the computer 🙂 I find I maintain my ‘I’ fairly easy when standing or speaking in public…maybe my military training enforced that habit 🙂

I wouldn’t say that I have an ‘I’ position but I don not have ‘c’shaped position either.
This has been ingrained in me since childhood, and yet it seems difficult. But yes, most of the times, apart from the reading time and watching tv, I maintain an ‘I’ shaped posture. At least I try my best, and I know it gets really difficult.

I read some stuff as a lad, such as “Push your butt as far back into the chair as possible” to help maintain proper posture. Other, was “To place the butt at the very tippy edge of seat, plant feet down firmly, then focus breathing” which helps the posture also. Recently they have added (not too recent) a specific block of wood, angled, upon which you place the feet which relieves back pain (????). Found out in my latter days, surprisingly that I have a curvature of the spine (falling on rear at age 13 off fourth floor). So none of that stuff would have suited me anyway. But good article, and thanks.

I guess I should have said, “….has been added” IE to the science of correct posture and how to sit. The block thing on the floor I saw at a Call Center utilized by a female co-worker. But have to admit, for a second there, I experienced flashbacks to requests for a citation (accreditation). Skip that (lol, kidding).

One last thing; In spite of my curvature of the spine, I have a I shaped posture, but due to my Asthma, I have to keep my awareness, and focus to maintain it. I have the I shape because I have learned to sleep on my back. It was hard to get used to this. Spent two months without sleep due learn it (sleep on back). Thank you Akhila.

Posture just like most things worthwhile in life require effort and patience. Good posture provides better mechanical function resulting in better health. It is so much more than just appearance. Gravity works against those unwilling to put the effort forward to developing healthy posture. Although posture is only 1 component in life, the methodology leading to a healthy outcome can provide a meaningful strategy on approaching a healthy and happy lifestyle.
I enjoyed your article very much.